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City Council Moves Forward With April Elections

More than a dozen residents spoke out passionately on both sides of the issue before the City Council decided to go ahead with April's elections because only two candidates qualified for two open council seats.

Three City Council members decided the fate of Monrovia's April elections Thursday, voting 3-0 to move forward with the elections after more than a dozen residents gave impassioned speeches both for and against putting two open council seats to a vote.

The council decided not to re-appoint Larry Spicer to former Councilman Clarence Shaw's now vacant council seat earlier in the special meeting Thursday and Mayor Mary Ann Lutz abstained from voting on the status of the election because she is on the ballot. That left the decision in the hands of Councilman Tom Adams, Councilwoman Becky Shevlin and Mayor Pro Tem Joe Garcia.

Several residents argued during public comment that the election would be a waste of time and money since only two candidates--Larry Spicer and Alexander Blackburn--are running for two open council seats. The election will cost the city about $53,000 to put on, according to a city agenda report.

But the three deciding council members each felt that canceling the election would cheat the voters out of an opportunity to choose their representatives.

"I’ve never considered elections to be expensive. I’ve considered elections to be priceless," Adams said. "I think it would be wrong for us to take your right to vote away from you."

Shevlin and Garcia concurred.

"The opportunity to vote is so precious," Shevlin said. "As much as I'd like to save that money, I can't do it."

"You can't put a price on democracy," Garcia added.

The decision will allow write-in candidates to campaign for office and several residents have expressed interest in doing so.

One thing nearly everyone agreed on was that Shaw's resignation was poorly handled and the source of what Shevlin called a "horrible mess." Shaw's abrupt resignation drew rancorous comments from residents and council members alike who blamed him for undermining the possibility of a contested election in April.

Adams, who has accused Shaw of pretending to run to help Spicer get elected, shied away from discussing Shaw's intentions Thursday, saying only that the former councilman's actions were conducted under a "cloud of dishonesty."

Lutz opened the meeting with a short speech scolding Adams for his public remarks about Shaw and Spicer, calling them "disingenuous."

Though the election will continue as planned on Apr. 9, the composition of the council could change before then. The council voted to delay action on replacing Shaw's council seat, meaning the city will move forward with four council members until at least March when the council could decide to re-appoint Spicer.

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Dan Crandell January 25, 2013 at 05:23 am
Gayle I expected a sucker punch to the ear but I got a hug. Go figure. It was a great group of great Monrovian' working to solve a difficult problem. WE DID !! Thanks for the hug. See you soon
Dan Crandell January 25, 2013 at 05:27 am
Mr. Ulm You had my full attention. Thank You Captain Parry ... what can I say ?? I be in touch. Thank You Sir.
Jill Pyeatt January 25, 2013 at 05:35 am
Maybe people interested in being write-in candidates should write something up about themselves and tell us why they would be a great city councilperson for the city of Monrovia. Are there any names out there yet?
Dan Crandell January 25, 2013 at 05:48 am
Jill I can assure you that a lot of great people will work very hard to meet your request. Stay tuned in.
Gayle M. Montgomery January 25, 2013 at 11:12 am
Nathan, if you are reading, Jill's suggestion has merit. Maybe a separate article with the step-by-step instructions, including start and stop dates they can declare, with an invitation to submit a statement of their write-in candidacy here.
Suzanne Leach January 25, 2013 at 12:03 pm
After listening to reasons why or why not have the election, and now further understanding the "write in" process, I'm thankful the council came to a concensus to have the election, regardless of money. Money can never be a legitimate reason to cancel an election.
Dan Crandell January 25, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Cathy as you continue bashing Tom Adams on that other Patch posted story please recall Mrs. Shaw and the Children and that you were up front in bashing us to stop our mean and nasty bashing. Tom and Mary Ann each did what they were compelled to do, possibly for their personnel reasons. The end does not always justify the means but I fell the events of last night released a lot of pent up frustrations in all of us, What a turn out this was. Now we need to move forward. Cathy you Rock. thank you
Nathan McIntire (Editor) January 25, 2013 at 01:31 pm
@ Jill and Gayle: I would be happy to profile the write-in candidates as well as those who filed. Please contact me at nathan.mcintire@patch.com
sayitisntso January 25, 2013 at 02:40 pm
I spoke with Kristin Mariconda after the meeting last night and she informed me that she had once won a seat on our MUSD School Board as a Write-in-Candidate so it can be accomplished if someone is willing to work hard and gets a lot of support and funding.
Chris Ziegler January 25, 2013 at 03:50 pm
In an attempt to increase the quality of the candidates; I'd like to suggest that local academics, political parties and other groups help the voting public by compiling a list of recommended questions for the candidates (and perhaps a brief explanation of the questions so the public has a more comprehensive understanding of the issue). Perhaps, Nathan can post the list of questions on this site. Just asking tough questions of candidates will force them to seek out answers which can only help produce a better leader for our community. I recommend this action because one of our most popular elected-leaders holds beliefs that that would never survive in daylight - a leader needs to be more than a nice smiley face.
For example: When I met with our former mayor to share a very popular solution to very costly societal problem, the mayor responded, “I’ don’t car about society’s problems, I care about Monrovia’s problems”. The educated/life-experienced citizens in this community have a moral obligation to expose the short-comings of poorly prepared candidates and narrowly-focused/flawed policy. Some of the questions, I have for my elected officials are: Who’s in your brain trust? How much time do you dedicate to research on the issues? What do you consider to be the most pressing issues for Monrovia? How do you see Monrovia’s responsibility in addressing macro issues? What kind of relationship should the council have with MUSD?
Dan Crandell January 25, 2013 at 03:57 pm
Cyrus you constipated old war horse so that's where you disappeared to. I was seated almost behind you. I kind of figured that you were rushing home for your prune juice but since you displayed no sign of growl-bowel during your first time up I drop that conclusion. Hay man let me tell you something. I walked into that room with a telephone pole size chip on my should. When I saw that you were there and being cool i dropped that pole on the floor behind me and began learing the ground rules on this treasured Democratic process we call The Vote. Well done brother. BTW ... Next meeting ... if you disappear before we can meet .... I Will Hunt You Down !!!
Chris Ziegler January 25, 2013 at 04:10 pm
The hand wringing over the $53,000 leaves me very confused: When I volunteered to repair the Clamshell fire road/trail at no cost to the government, saving Monrovia taxpayers $55,000 dollars, there was no interest. I even went to the city council meeting, waited until nearly midnight to speak to communicate my offer and still nothing, it was as if I didn’t exist (is midnight really a good time to discuss business?).
Additionally, I’ve offered to improve the Sawpit Wash Trail again at no cost to the government/taxpayers, again, no response or support from city hall in any way shape or form. Improving the trail will positively affect property values and will benefit Monrovia not to mention increase our quality of life. When I replaced a driveway at our 827 Lemon Av. Property, I called Niles Boyer at least 8 times to obtain permission to fix the city’s broken side walk at no cost to the public, again no answer or response. I took the matter to his manager, still nothing. (cont)
Chris Ziegler January 25, 2013 at 04:22 pm
Pt II
Last but not least, I’ve mentioned several times to council and Ron Bow, (our public works director), that some of our implementations of traffic control devices are counter to documented best practices, which means we are vulnerable to tort related lawsuits, as well as, Monrovian’s are left paying more for infrastructure costs, have increased wear and tear on their vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists are discouraged from enjoying their community – 2 cases in point: Speeds of 35+ MPH are common on our residential streets, which is relevant since such speeds result in more collisions and more serious injuries in those collisions, thus increased need for costly traffic police. Also, make notice of the rutting in the tarmac at our controlled intersections, guess how much that costs? Additionally, those costs are recurring into perpetuity and soar in lockstep with the price of crude oil. This is no time for Monrovia voters to be asleep at the switch!
Gayle M. Montgomery January 25, 2013 at 04:30 pm
I'm not writing in as a candidate, Nathan. Do you still need me to contact you?
Gayle M. Montgomery January 25, 2013 at 04:37 pm
Just as an aside to Chris' remarks about streets, I'm not sure who owns the intersection of Mountain and the street north of the freeway (can't remember if Evergreen is north or south, but this one is north). I know we own the side where the car dealerships is. If anybody from the City is reading, if it's our side, this needs to be fixed, if it's Duarte's side, they need to tell them to fix it, and if it's Cal Trans, then both side should get on them. When you come off of the Freeway heading west, when you go to go around that corner, you can see where trucks have most probably torn up the street, and it's a hot mess to drive through. You pretty much need to make a wide turn to go around the potty hole. It's tough in a car; it's probably equally tough or more so on a bike, and it's dangerous to those who would cross the street and have sight impairments. Please pass this along and have it investigated. Thanks
sayitisntso January 25, 2013 at 07:04 pm
Chris, for a $500.00 campaign donation to the Council candidate of my choice I will straighten this mess out for you and get answers and action that you have not. Give me a call if you like.
Cyrus, 626-422-5241
sayitisntso January 25, 2013 at 08:24 pm
Two things bothered me at lasts nights meeting.
One was Peter Hoffman talking about haw we should not waste the tax payers money on the election and how much sales tax revenue it takes to pay for it when his company has recently received $750,000.00 of our hard earned tax money and guess where Mayor Lutz had Christmas Dinner, you guessed it Peter Hoffman's. The other was speakers who announced their membership on a city committee or commission in an attempt to add creditably to their statements. They have a right to speak but they don't have a right to imply through the use of their City credentials that what they say is the sentiment of the body they belong to or that their comments are more relevant than those of others. The Council needs to put a stop to the use of City credentials when a member is speaking as an individual.
Dan Crandell January 26, 2013 at 03:17 pm
@ Cyrus Are you saying that the City of Monrovia paid Mr. Hoffman 750K so that Mayor Lutz's could attend Mr. Hoffman' Christmas Party? Sure sounds that way. What did/will WE get back for this expenditure?
Ann R January 26, 2013 at 03:20 pm
Se article below on the Patch
http://monrovia.patch.com/articles/city-gives-auto-dealership-up-to-750-000-to-expand
Gayle M. Montgomery January 26, 2013 at 08:57 pm
Danny Boy, even if he's saying it, it's a non-sequitur. The article Ann published below was from April, 8 months before Christmas. While I am no great fan of the mayor's, it's not fair to link the two together. It's not unusual for big biz to invite local governmental officials to events as part of fostering good will. Whether they are special friends is beyond me, but I don't think it's a safe assumption that the $750K was the result of some special relationship. The whole council had to vote on this item. I didn't like it at the time and am not keen to it now. I kind of keep one eye on the dealership to see if they're getting a lot of traffic, but I just don't think it's fair to question the Christmas party attendance after the donation. Now if the mayor and all her kin are riding around in new Chryslers that cost them nothing, that would be a different issue.
Dan Crandell January 26, 2013 at 10:16 pm
@ Gayle That question to Cyrus was spiked. Just working an angled question hoping for his response. I have learned he is a very angry man with a self centered self serving hate all people attitude. Stay cool nice lady.
Dan Crandell January 26, 2013 at 10:17 pm
Thank You Ann.
Gayle M. Montgomery January 26, 2013 at 10:50 pm
Thanks, Dan.
Dan Crandell January 27, 2013 at 02:51 pm
Gayle Mayor Lutz has a reputation around town as being somewhat bullish and unapproachable towards residences who are not within her circle of interest. Surprising that someone didn't step up for her chair. I will be paying closer attention to her for this tern.
Craig Proctor January 31, 2013 at 01:57 pm
x 2 on the speeding concerns! I have almost come to blows with motorists whom I have motioned to slow down. My wife had a guy throw a soda can at her for doing the same. Its not just the daily workers in our neighborhood (pool guys, UPS, delivery trucks), but knuckleheaded local residents who just have no concern or consideration for the rest of us.
I have spoken many times to Sgt. Coleman and have his assurance that everything is being done that can be done. If that's true, then why are there so many other residents so frustrated over this issue? I would love to slow people down in the neighborhood. What can I do?
Bill C. January 31, 2013 at 07:47 pm
Which residential streets are 35MPH plus?
Mike Vallejo February 1, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Dan and Other's Concerned,
I experienced First Hand re: Gayle Lutz being a UNAPPROACHABLE, HARSH Person. She is Way To Comfortable in her seat. She decides who to attend to and who not to, based on her personal feelings and not based on her duty as Mayor. I had the poorest communication w this woman due to her not wanting to hear about her friend Larry Spicer. No return calls, huffing on the phone when asking her for her address. She is all smiles in Public. Try calling her at City Hall, with any questions and feedback and see how she treats you. Regards
Mike Vallejo February 1, 2013 at 03:49 pm
Shaw, Spicer and Lutz proved the saying, "Birds of a Feather, Flock together." As neighbors we had semi current to current problems at different months and years. We now have another couple who were not involved in, nor had any problems w Spicer. He picks on women during the day and the husbands confront him ASAP. Nothing is on record cause the women are shocked first, the husband becomes angry and after confronting Larry, they feel they have no reason to call the police. It might be a mistake we made, but what would you do? If there was proof it would have confirmed our harassment we received and his complete denial of everything. Look at the situation with Shaw and him. The mayor said, if I recollect the article, "We need to forgive." That is usually followed by." and forget." Well, I please ask you to remember his past. His past is a great example of what he is currently doing/did to our elections w the situation of Shaw and him. Cannot be trusted. I appreciate your time soo much. Please contact the City Hall where you can contact Larry and ask questions and or give feedback. The City Council Administrative Assistant can relay his calls to him. If we were not able to attend the past meeting, for whatever reasons........you can still voice your thoughts. I hope when convenient, many of you will. Regards.....Michael.
Chris Ziegler February 1, 2013 at 10:46 pm
Craig Proctor,
Sgt. Glen Coleman speaks the truth; it is now generally accepted fact, police cannot realistically force a speed limit - streets need to be designed to make the desired speed of traffic, the naturally safe feeling speed. In short, on low speed streets engineers need to place facilities (obstacles) that keep auto drivers in check. The key to getting resources from city hall is to make noise!!. But first, be educated so you aren't vulnerable to deflection (Government's motto for those asking for the spending of funds: "Redirect, Deny, Delay". A friend of mine is general council to a local municipality): In short, determine a solution (speed humps/tables, chicanes, curb extensions, roundabout, etc) that meets the goals of your neighbors and yourself, put it on paper in the form of a petition and submit. And if you really want action, pack the council chambers with your neighbors and speak at public comment time (least painful way to speak with council). If they tell you there's no money, keep in mind that you can suggest to your neighbors that you all can agree to a special assessment - if there's a will, there's a way. Here is a good link (from the AAA) on speed studies that can help you be more successful in your endeavor: http://cecafc7222885a326506-f1bae239892893504d123e2f1fdbfd6e.r6.cf1.rackcdn.com/ACSC_Speed_Zoning_Booklet_Final-1.pdf Also, the livable streets design manual is a great reference for these problems http://www.modelstreetdesignmanual.com/
Mike Vallejo February 3, 2013 at 04:00 pm
Called Mary Lutz by the mistaken name. A huge apology to you, Gayle. I hope you were not greatly offended.
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
rubberband June 19, 2013 at 10:29 am
Perhaps I am unclear on what exactly you would have done? Take away visas from Chinese only? NotRead More allow anyone pregnant to cross our boarders even with a visa? Pregnancy tests at the boarder? Or start a fund for what you call "the hard-working Mexican people?" I am going to assume you were kidding and waxing sardonic when you wrote that they don't have the luxury of staying in a decent hotel...and I really find myself hoping that you have some idea of the WORLD you live in, not just your immediate area. This is not an attack; it is a very real appeal to ask : What would you have DONE about it? Please allow issues of legality, human ethical behavior, financial liability, and finally a realistic approach to your response.
Kate K. June 19, 2013 at 10:59 am
Are you all standing at the Arcadia City Council meetings, telling the City and Arcadia Police Dept.Read More to crack down on these hotels that are turned into "birthing houses" ? If its not against any statute then YOU need to work to get a statute drafted and enacted as law to stop this. YOU are "We the People", and if you don't make the laws, someone else will. Complaining online may make us feel better, but it will resolve nothing.
Brenda Winner June 19, 2013 at 03:45 pm
Be part of the change you insist on happening. Bring some ideas out and present them to whoeverRead More needs to see tham. You make it sound like its a situation that you think is not your problem but yet you expect smeone else to make it better You have no clue about the culture, the reasoning or the attempts that may have been made or are in the works. Lend a hand.
rubberband June 12, 2013 at 10:17 pm
See other post about this: It needed to happen...(Ancient Burial Ground that was desecrated) but IRead More maintain we should get some sort of "cleansing" or burn some incense/sage or call for an exorcism. I believe the evil mojo needs to be banished before we build again.........
donna mills June 8, 2013 at 04:40 pm
Hi Therese, I am good friends with Star Shields. He is a busy face painter, and often needs back-upRead More either at the Summer festival in Laguna Beach, now underway, or with one of his other commitments. If you're interested, I would be happy to give you his contact details via email.
Therese B. June 8, 2013 at 11:08 pm
Hi Donna! Star is a good friend of mine too!!! He is more an airbrush artist (and a darn goodRead More one!!) then a face painter. But he is truly a legend in his craft. I have been lucky enough to work with him and learn from him too! I just wish he wasn't so far away :( Nice to hear from you!
donna mills June 11, 2013 at 03:52 pm
Oh wow! what a small world! Best, Donna
rubberband June 7, 2013 at 04:22 pm
Old fashioned country vet "patchin' up" was some of the cool stuff I was taught growingRead More up. Splinting a bird's wing or leg, getting a thorn out of a slightly infected cat or dog paw was part of learning. I am NOT saying to eliminate/not see a REAL vet, however some things can be handled at home with a bit of basic medical knowledge and Bactine/hot clean water and towels/tweezers and some loving hands to hold Fido or Snowball when you can do it yourself. I am already bracing myself for the angry openly hostile messages this post might draw, so it's OK if you feel the need to do so. Watching some of my older friends who have limited income spend THOUSANDS of dollars for a beloved pet out of pressure/and what I call "pusher's guilt" sorta made me feel like mentioning that in the old days, some of the animal care was done by a wise farm woman/man...not all vets are crooks, and not all pet needs need put you in the poor house.
lynn June 7, 2013 at 07:24 pm
I love the old farmers remedies, particularly for mange however when dealing with elderly animalsRead More and certain conditions you just get around it. The farmers remedies are often slow working causing more pain then an animal needs to go through. I try holistic meds quite often for some bacterial infections and they are slow too. Cats in particular are difficult treat. They are great in some situations but in others the it is not appropriate. I will attempt the at home first then the vet. My recent situation was a neglected kitty I rescued with a 1.25 lb cyst I had no idea she had the cyst just thought she was matted. I was trying to get her shaved. Kitty's don't cooperate for though things. One thing led to another she ends up on the operating table. No rescue groups would help me and that's where my anger is directed. I have been donating to different groups monthly for more then 20 years. At one point three different groups at the same time. No one helped me when I needed it. I'm done.
rubberband June 8, 2013 at 11:31 pm
@Lynn: Reading your posts I felt some anger FOR you. HUGE animal lover here, and ALL my pets areRead More rescues/fosters except for the Robo dwarf hamster. Love my cats, and know there just some things you can't do to a kitty without risking kitty AND your own safety. What you have experienced was pretty much the exact thing I saw some older friends go thru...Care about their pets, want to get help, and can't seem to get any or get SOME but with hidden costs and "guilt trips" at the end. If no one said it, thanks for helping critters out and giving when you could. Sorry it was not rewarded.
donna mills June 3, 2013 at 01:20 pm
Gasp! Seriously? OMG--Poltergeist get behind me!!
rubberband June 3, 2013 at 01:48 pm
Donna...Poor Donna. My dear, it is too late. Call that weird yet cute little tiny lady toRead More "clean" your home and get your kids out of the television. ......oh and if you have a pool...DO NOT GO SWIMMING.
Dan Crandell June 3, 2013 at 01:58 pm
Love you Donna. Your comment should have been "Poltergeist get ""thee""Read More behind me"!!!!! All in fun.
Don Ryman May 31, 2013 at 10:07 am
ask andy Montgomery on fb
Robert Parry May 31, 2013 at 01:48 pm
I've recently spoken to Gayle. She's fine, just taking a bit of a mental hygiene breather.
Buzlightyear aka marty June 1, 2013 at 12:11 am
I am glad to hear she is good. I don't do facebook so I will simply take it that she will commentRead More again. She was my first "Patch" debate with someone on the other side of issues......You know, sentimental thing for your first time.... LOL. Just tell her Buzzlightyear "Marty" said hi if either of you two talk to her.